Prosthodontics:

An Overview

1
CHAPTER

PROSTHESIS
The term Prosthesis has got varied meanings. It may
be defined as an artificial replacement of an absent
part of the human body or a therapeutic device
to improve or alter function or it can also said as
a device used to aid in accomplishing a desired
surgical result.

Prosthodontic dentistry deals with the substitution

or replacement of oral structures. Prosthodontic
dentistry can include anything from replacing one
missing tooth to constructing a complexdesigned
device to replace structures of the face such as
eyes, ears, or a cleft palate. Prosthodontic treatment
is concerned primarily with replacing missing teeth
with some type of artificial substitute. Substitutes
for natural teeth are called prosthodontic
prostheses. Prosthodontic prostheses are either
fixed permanently into the patients mouth or
removable.

TYPES
Prosthesis is of three types:
I. Dental prosthesis
II. Maxillofacial prosthesis
III. Axillary prosthesis

Prosthesis

Dental
prosthesis

This chapter presents in brief about the Prosthesisdefinition and types, Appliance-definition and
differentiation with Prosthesis, Prosthodonticsdefinition, scope and objectives and branches, and
lastly Glossary of important terms.

Maxillofacial
prosthesis

Axillary
prosthesis

Fig.1.1: Types of prosthesis

I. DENTAL PROSTHESIS
Dental Prosthesis can be defined as an artificial
replacement of one or more teeth (upto entire
dentition in either arch) and associated dental/
alveolar structures.
It is subdivided as Fixed Dental Prosthesis and
Removable Dental Prosthesis.
Fixed Dental Prosthesis (FDP) is again categorized
into three types, i.e.
i. Cement retained FDP
ii. Screw retained FDP
iiii. Friction retained FDP
3

4 Pre-Clinical Prosthdontics
Dental
prosthesis

Fixed dental
prosthesis (FDP)

Cement
retained
FDP

Screw
retained
FDP

Friction
retained
FDP

Removable Dental
Prosthesis (RDP)

Complete
RDP

Partial
RDP

Fig. 1.2: Types of dental prosthesis

Removable dental prosthesis is also catagorized but

into two types i.e.
i. Complete RDP
ii. Partial RDP

4. Complete Removable Dental Prosthesis

Also called as Removable Complete Denture
Prosthesis.
It is defined as a removable dental prosthesis that
replaces the entire dentition and associated
structures of the maxillae or mandible.
II. MAXILLO FACIAL PROSTHESIS (MP)
It is defined as any prosthesis that is used to
replace a part or all of any stomatognathic and/or
craniofacial structures.
Depending on the source of its retention, it is
subdivided in Tissue retained MP, Tooth retained
MP, Implant retained MP, Tissue and Implant retained
MP.

1. Fixed Dental Prosthesis

FDP can be defined as any dental prosthesis that
is luted (cemented), screwed or mechanically
attached (frictional) or otherwise securely retained
to natural teeth, tooth roots and (or dental implant
abutments (that furnish the primary support for
the dental prosthesis).

III. ANCILLARY PROSTHESIS

2. Removable Dental Prosthesis

RDP can be defined as any dental prosthesis that
replaces some or all teeth in a partially edentulous
(without teeth) arch (partial RDP) or edentate/
edentulous arch (complete RDP) and that can be
removed from the mouth and replaced at will.

Examples include splints, carriers (fluoride gel,

radiation), feeding aids, guides, stents, etc.

3. Partial Removable Dental Prosthesis

Also called as Removable Partial Denture
Prosthesis.
It is defined as any prosthesis that replaces some
teeth in a partially edentulous arch and that can
be removed from the mouth and replaced at will.

It is a prosthesis, that can not be categorised as

either a dental prosthesis or a maxillofacial
prosthesis.
They are intended for short term or special usage
purposes.

Prosthodontics is a branch of dentistry pertaining

to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation
and maintenance of the oral function, comfort,
appearance and health of patients with clinical
conditions associated with missing or deficient
teeth and/or maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes. The term Prosthodontics
has been derived from Latin pros: replacement,
dons-teeth, ics-science.

Maxillofacial
prosthesis (MP)

TISSUE RETAINED MP
Ex:
1. Cranial prosthesis
2. Auricular prosthesis
3. Orbital prosthesis
4. Nasal prosthesis
5. Nasal septal prosthesis

IMPLANT RETAINED
MP
Ex:
1. Facial prosthesis
2. Orbital prosthesis
3. Auricular prosthesis

TOOTH RETAINED MP
Ex:
1. Orbital prosthesis
2. Mandibular resection
prosthesis
3. Orthopedic cranio
facial prosthesis

Fig. 1.3: Types of maxillofacial prosthesis

IMPLANT AND TISSUE

RETAINED MP
Ex:
1. Facial
2. Auricular prosthesis

Prosthodontics: An Overview 5
Prostodontics

APPLIANCE
Appliance is defined as a dental or surgical device designed toperform a therapeutic or corrective function.

PROSTHODONTICS
Prosthodontist is a specialist in prosthodontics
and who has successfully completed an advanced
education programme in the speciality of
prosthodontics that is accredited (recognised) by
the appropriate body. In India, those bodies are
the Universities of Health Sciences and which are
intrun under the control of Dental council of India
(DCI).
Father of Prosthodontics.
SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF PROSTHODONTICS
Prosthodontics is pertaining to the restoration and
maintenance of oral function, comfort, appearance
and health of the patient by the restoration of
natural teeth and/or the replacement of missing
teeth and contiguous oral and maxillofacial tissues
with artificial substitutes.
The objectives of prosthodontics are:
1. Preservation of remaining oral structures.
2. Promotion of health.
3. Restoration of function and esthetics.
BRANCHES OF PROSTHODONTICS
Prosthodontics is broadly categorized into 4
branches i.e.
1. Removable Prosthodontics
Which is again divided into two sub branches
i.e.:
i. Complete Denture Prosthondontics.
ii. Partial Denture Prosthondontics.
2. Fixed Prosthodontics.
3. Maxillofacial Prosthodontics.
4. Implant Prosthodontics.

Removable

Complete
denture

Fixed

Maxillofacial

Implant

Partial
denture

Fig.1.4: Branches of prosthodontics

1. Removable prosthodontics
The branch of prosthodontics concerned with the
replacement of missing teeth and adjacent
structures for edentulous or partially edentulous
patients by artificial substitutes that can be removed
at will.
2. Complete denture prosthodontics
That body of knowledge and skills pertaining to
the restoration of the edentulous arch with a
removable dental prosthesis.
3. Removable partial denture
Any prosthesis that replaces some teeth in a
partially dentate arch, that can be removed from
the mouth and replaced at will.
It is also called as partial removable dental
prothesis.
4. Fixed prosthodontics
The branch of prosthodontics concerned with the
replacement and/or restoration of teeth by artificial
substitutes that are not readily removed from the
mouth.
5. Maxillofacial prosthodontics
The branch of prosthodontics concerned with the
restoration and/or replacement of the stomatognathic and craniofacial structures with prosthesis
that may or may not be removed on a regular or
elective basis.
6. Implant prosthodontics
The phase of prosthodontics concerning the
replacement of missing teeth and or associated
structures by restorations that are attached to
dental implants.

6 Pre-Clinical Prosthdontics

GLOSSARY

Base Metal: A metal such as copper or iron not

classified as a noble metal.

Abutment: A tooth used to support a removable partial

denture or anchor a fixed partial denture.

Baseplate: A temporary form representing the base of

a denture which is used for making jaw relation records
and for the arrangement of teeth. STABILIZED B.: A
baseplate lined with a plastic material to improve its
fit and stability.

Acrylic Resin: The plastic material widely used in

dentistry to make the denture base.
Alloy: A combination of two or more metals. Golds
for casting, wires, and solders are alloys.
Alma Gauge: A precise measuring device for accurate
denture construction that pinpoints the vertical and
horizontal position of the central incisor teeth relative
to the incisive papilla in a two dimensional
prescription.
Alveolar Bone (al veel ar bone): The specialized bone
structure, which supports the teeth.
Amalgam: An alloy of mercury and silver (with other
alloying metals) used as a restorative material and for
making dies.
Anneal: To soften a metal by controlled heating and
cooling. Normally done before bending or swaging.
Anterior Teeth: Central incisors, lateral incisors, and
canines of either upper or lower arch.
Antero-Posterior: Extending from the front backward.
Articulate: (teeth): To arrange the denture teeth in
their proper positions in the trial baseplate. To setup the teeth, (casts); To bring two casts together in
occlusion. To mount the upper and lower casts on
the articulator.
Articulation: The harmonious contact of the opposing
teeth in closed position and in lateral and protrusive
movements. (2) Junction of two bones which may or
may not be movable joint.
Articulator: A mechanical instrument that represents
the temporomandibular joints and jaws, to which
maxillary and mandibular casts may be attached to
simulate some or all mandibular movements.
Artificial Stone: Gypsum product similar to Plaster of
Paris but with much greater density and strength. May
be colored to distinguish it from plaster.
Backing: A metal support which serves to attach a
facing to a prosthesis.

Baseplate Wax: A hard pink wax used for making

occlusion rims, waxing dentures, and other dental
procedures.
Bennett Movement: The lateral shift of the condyle first
described by a British dentist.
Bite Block or Occlusion Rim: Occluding surfaces
fabricated on interim or final denture bases for the
purpose of making maxillomandibular relation records
and arranging teeth.
Bonding Agent: A material used to promote adhesion
or cohesion between two different substances, or
between a material and natural tooth structures.
Boxing: The placing of a retaining wall of wax around
an impression to confine the plaster or stone as the
cast is poured.
Bridge (fixed partial denture): A restoration of one or
more missing teeth which cannot be readily removed
by the patient or dentist; it is permanently attached
to natural teeth or roots which furnish the primary
support to the appliance.
Brilliance or Value : The amount of whiteness or
darkness in a color. The more white a color contains
the more brilliant it appears. The more black or grey,
the less brilliant it appears.
Buccal: Pertaining to the cheek; the surface of the
tooth toward the cheek.
Buccal Frenum: The string-like tissue, which attaches
the cheeks to, the alveolar ridge in the premolar region
of each arch.
Burnish: The drawing or flattening out of a malleable
metal through pressure.
Cast (noun): An object formed by pouring a material
(usually stone, plaster, or investment) into an
impression; also called model.
Cast (verb): To cast a material into a mold (such as
inlay, crown, or partial denture).

Balance (in occlusion): The simultaneous harmonious

contacts of tooth surfaces in different parts of the
mouth, which act to prevent tipping of the denture.

Cast Relator (Gothic Arch Relator): A mechanical

device that orients a cast to an articulator using a
gothic arch tracing, without reference to anatomic
landmarks.

Balancing Side: The side opposite the working side of

the dentition or denture.

Cast Study: A positive likeness of dental structures for

the purpose of study and treatment planning.

Prosthodontics: An Overview 7

Central Bearing: Application of forces between the

maxilla and mandible at a single point that is located
at the center of the maxillary and mandibular denture
supporting areas. It is used for distributing forces evenly
throughout the supporting structures during the
registration of maxillomandibular relations and during
the correction of occlusal errors.
Central Bearing Point: The anatomical center of the
upper arch. The critical point that determines the
upper cast-to-articulator mounting position. It is
located on the median suture line of the upper cast
(the vertical line dividing the arch in left and right
halves), halfway between the incisive papilla and the
foveae palantinae.
Centric Occlusion: The relations of opposing tooth
surfaces when the jaws are in centric relation. For
dentures, this will be the same position as the maximum
planned contact and/or intercuspation.
Centric Relation
1. The most posterior relation of the mandible to the
maxilla at the established vertical dimension.
2. The relation of the mandible to the maxilla when
the condyles are in their most posterior position in
the glenoid fossa, from which unstrained lateral
movements can be made at the normal occluding
vertical dimension for the individual.

Clasp: The metal part of a partial denture which partly

encircles an abutment tooth and helps to support,
stabilize, and retain the denture.
Class I Arch Form: Arch form with a shallow palatal
vault; generally square or ovoid arch form.
Class II Arch: Arch form with a moderate palatal vault;
generally square tapering arch form.
Class III Arch: Arch form with a deep palatal vault;
generally tapering arch form.
Condyle: The rounded end of a bone at the articular
end of the mandible.
Connector: A term used in partial denture prosthesis
meaning a bar, which connects two or more parts of
the appliance: (a) major connector: the rigid bar which
connects the saddles or major parts. (b) minor
connector: the bar which connects clasps to frame.
Coping: A thin cover or matrix usually made of cast
metal or acrylic resin to fit over a prepared tooth. A
crown is then constructed over the coping.
Cross Bite : A condition in which the ridge of the
mandible lies so far outside the maxillary ridge that
normal arrangement of teeth is not feasible.

Crosslinked : A typing together of acrylic resin

molecules chemically to produce a more stable resin.
Crown: Artificial: A replacement of the coronal portion
of a tooth.
Curing: The process by which denture base materials
are hardened to the form of a denture in a denture
mold.
Curve of Spee: Anatomic curvature of the occlusal
alignment of teeth beginning at the tip of the lower
canine and following the buccal cusps of the natural
premolars and molars, continuing to the anterior
border of the ramus.
Curve of Wilson: The curvature of the cusps of the teeth
as projected on the frontal plane; that of the inferior
dental arch is concave and that of the superior dental
arch is convex.
Cuspid Line: The area marked on an occlusion rim
noting the desired position of the cuspid (canine)
teeth. It may indicate the distal, mesial, or middle of
the cuspid, but must be agreed upon by the clinical
professional and the dental laboratory. (Source:
DENTSPLY Trubyte literature).
Deciduous Teeth: The first teeth of childhood which
are later replaced by the permanent dentition.
Dentition: Natural teeth in the dental arch.
Dentulous: Having natural teeth present in the mouth
and capable of function.
Denture: An artificial substitute for missing natural teeth
and adjacent tissues.
Denture, Complete: A dental prosthesis which is a
substitute for the lost natural dentition and associated
structures of the maxilla or mandible.
Denture, Immediate: A dental prosthesis constructed
before removal of the teeth and inserted at the time
of extraction.
Denture Service: Those procedures which are involved
in the diagnosis, construction, and maintenance of
artificial substitutes for missing natural teeth.
Devesting or Deflasking: The retrieval of a processed
denture from an investing medium.
Diagnosis: A scientific evaluation of existing conditions.
Diagnostic Model: A life-size reproduction of a part
or parts of the oral cavity and/or facial structures for
the purpose of study and treatment planning.
Diastema: A space between two adjacent teeth in the
same dental arch.

8 Pre-Clinical Prosthdontics

Diatoric: The retentive hole or channel in a denture

tooth that allows denture base material to fill the
space, producing a mechanical lock for retention.

the midline, at or near the attachment of the soft palate

to the hard palate.

Die: A positive reproduction of a tooth or preparation,

usually in metal or stone.

Frenum: The small band or fold of connective tissue

covered with mucous membrane, which attaches the
tongue, lips, and cheeks to adjacent structures.

Distal: The side of a tooth farthest away from the

median line in the dental arch.

Gerodontics: That branch of dentistry, which deals with

the dental problems and conditions of the aged.

Edentics : A program of continuing care for the

edentulous patient.

Gingiva: That part of the gum tissue, which immediately

surrounds a tooth.

Edentulous: Without teeth. It may be a specific area,

one arch or the entire mouth.

Glaze: The final firing of porcelain which imparts a high

gloss.

Enamel: The white, compact, and very hard substance

that covers and protects the dentin of the crown of
the tooth.

Hamular Notch: The palpable notch formed by the

junction of the maxilla and the pterygoid hamulus of
the sphenoid bone.

Endodontics: Deals primarily with the treatment of

diseased tooth pulp, and adjacent areas in the jaw.

High Lip Line: The greatest height to which the lip is

raised in normal function or during the act of smiling
broadly.

Esthetics
(1) The branch of philosophy dealing with beauty,
especially with the components thereof, viz., color,
form, and arrangement. (2) The qualities involved in
the appearance of a given restoration.

Extra-Oral: Outside the mouth.

Facial: Pertaining to the face. The surface of the tooth
or appliance nearest the lips or cheeks. Used
synonymously for the words buccal and labial.
Face-Bow: A caliper-like device used to record the
relationship between the maxilla and condyles of the
mandible and to transfer this relationship to an
articulator.
Festooning: Carvings in the base material of a denture
that simulate the contours of the natural tissues that
are being replaced by a denture.
Finishing: The procedure where scratches and/or
surface defects are removed using grinding instruments.
Fixed Bridge: A fixed partial denture. One that is
cemented firmly in position.
Flash: Denture base acrylic that has seeped onto land
area or tooth surfaces during processing.
Flask: A frame constructed in sections into which a
denture is invested for processing.
Foramen: A hole or perforation in the bone.

Hue: A color as seen in the visible spectrum, i.e., red,

yellow, blue, etc.
Immediate Denture: A dental prosthesis constructed
before removal of the teeth and inserted at the time
of extraction.
Impression: A negative reproduction of a given area.
Incisive Papilla: The elevation of soft tissue covering
the foramen (opening) of the incisive or nasopalatine
canal.
Index : A core or mold used to indicate relative
positions so that a part may be removed and replaced
in exactly the same position as before.
Inlay: A restoration (gold, porcelain) made to fit a
prepared tooth cavity and then cemented into place.
Inter-Condylar Distance: The distance between the
rotational centers of two condyles or their analogues.
Interproximal: Between adjoining tooth surfaces.
Intra-Oral: Within the mouth.
Invest: To surround, embed, or envelop in a material
to hold the pieces in place during a subsequent
operation.
Investing or Flasking: The process used to fabricate
an exact duplicate of the wax-up by covering it with
a suitable investment material in a flask before
processing.

Fossa: A shallow depression of the bone.

Investment: A refractory material used to form a mold

for casting.

Fovea: A pit, dimple, or depression.

Labial: Pertaining to the lip or toward the lip.

Foveae Palatinae: Two small pits or depressions in the

posterior aspect of the palate, one on each side of

Labial Flange: The portion of the flange of a denture

that occupies the labial vestibule of the mouth.

Prosthodontics: An Overview 9

Labial Frenum: The connective tissue string which

attaches the upper and lower lip to the alveolar ridge
at or near the midline.
Lateral Movement: Movement of the mandible to the
side.
Lingual : Pertaining to the tongue or towards the
tongue.
Lingual Bar: A metal bar (cast or wrought) used to
connect the right and left sides of a lower partial
denture.
Low Lip Line: The lowest position of the lower lip
during smiling or voluntary reaction. The lowest
position of the upper lip at rest.
Malocclusion: Any deviation from a normal occlusion.
Mandible: The lower jaw.
Masking: An opaque covering used as an undercoat
so that metal will not show through plastic or porcelain
veneers.
Master Cast (model): The positive reproduction in
stone made from an accurate final impression.
Master Model: A replica of the tooth surfaces, residual
ridge areas, and/or other parts of the dental arch and/
or facial structures used to fabricate a dental
restoration or prosthesis.
Mastication : The process of chewing food for
swallowing and digestion.
Matrix: The foundation in which something is formed.
The space remaining in the flask after a wax denture is
eliminated and into which material for the denture is
packed.
Maxilla: The upper jaw.
Maximal Intercuspal Position : The position where
maxillary and mandibular teeth have maximal contact
and interdigitation. This is the same as centric
occlusion-when the jaws are in centric relation.
Mechanical Retention : Parts bound together by
mechanical means, for example, rough surfaces,
undercut areas or diatoric holes.
Median Line : An imaginary line running vertically
through the center of the face. It is marked on the
occlusion rim as a guide to placement of the central
incisors.

Milling-In: The procedure of refining or perfecting the

occlusion of teeth by the use of abrasives while the
occluding surfaces are rubbed together either on the
articulator or in the mouth.
Model: Reproduction in plaster or metal of any object,
as a tooth, or the dental arch, by pouring the material
into an impression taken from the object.
Mold (Mould)
(1) A term used to specify the shape and size of a
tooth according to a certain system of classification.
(2) A form in which an object is cast or formed.

Mould Chart: A chart depicting the moulds available

in a given line of artificial teeth and listing their
dimensions and combinations with appropriate lowers
or posteriors.
Mould Guide: All mould available in a given line of
artificial teeth. Aids in the selection of the most
appropriate mould for an individual and permits
interchanging of teeth for better esthetics. Non-usable
tooth mould guide: teeth contain iron pins for use as
selection aid only. Usable tooth mould guide: all
moulds in a given line in usable teeth.
Mounting: The attachment of casts to the articulator
with plaster or stone.
Mucobuccal Fold: The line of flexure of the mucous
membrane as it passes from the mandible or maxilla
to the cheek.
Mylohyoid Ridge: An oblique ridge on the lingual
surface of the mandible that extends from the level of
the roots of the last molar teeth and that serves as a
bony attachment for the mylohyoid muscles forming
the floor of the mouth.
Neutral Zone: The potential space between the lips
and cheeks on one side and the tongue on the other;
that area or position where the forces between the
tongue and cheeks or lips are equal.
Noble Metal: A metal not easily oxidized. Example:
gold, platinum. Opposite of base metal.
Obturator: A prosthesis used to close a congenital or
acquired opening in the palate.
Occlude: To bring together. To bring the mandibular
teeth into contact with the maxillary teeth.
Occlusal

Mesial: Toward the median line. That surface of a tooth

towards median line.

(1) Pertaining to the contacting surfaces of opposing

occlusal units (teeth or occlusion rims). (2) Pertaining
to the masticating surfaces of the posterior teeth.

Milling: The procedure where specific areas are ground

or adjusted to achieve a specific fit or interface. Also
referred to as selective grinding.

Occlusion: The relationship between the opposing

surfaces of upper and lower teeth when they are in
contact either in the mouth or on an articulator.

10 Pre-Clinical Prosthdontics

Occlusion Rim: Occluding surfaces built on baseplates

for the purpose of recording maxillomandibular
relationships. Also used as a base for arranging the
teeth.
Oral Surgery: Deals primarily with the removal of teeth,
treatment of jaw fractures, removal of tumors, and
correction of malformed facial bones. Other specialties
include oral pathology, and public health dentistry.
Orthodontics: Deals with prevention and correction
of irregularities of the teeth and jaws.
Overbite: Vertical overlap of the upper anteriors over
lowers.
Overjet: Horizontal protrusion of the upper anteriors
beyond the lowers.
Palate: The roof of the mouth.
Cleft P.: An opening in the palate. It may be in the
hard or soft palate or both and may be present from
birth or caused by surgery, disease, or accident.

Postpalatal Seal: The seal area at the posterior border

of a maxillary prosthesis.
Post Dam: The seal at the posterior border of a denture.
Preferred term is posterior palatal seal.
Post Dam or Postpalatal Seal: The seal area at the
posterior border of a maxillary prosthesis.
Prosthesis: Dental-an artificial replacement of one or
more teeth and/or associated structures.
Prosthodontics: Prosthetic Dentistry; The branch of
dental art and science pertaining to restoration of oral
function by the replacement of missing teeth and
structures by artificial devices.
Protrusive Bite (Occlusion): Contact relation of the
upper and lower teeth when the mandible is brought
forward with the anteriors edge to edge.
Proximal Surface: The surface of a tooth which lies next
to another tooth. Nearly always the mesial or distal
surface unless the tooth is rotated.

Papilla: A small nipple shaped elevation.

Pulp: The connective tissue found in the pulp chamber

and canals. It is made up of arteries, veins, nerves,
lymph tissue, and connective tissue.

Incisive P.: A rounded projection at the anterior end

of the palate. Interdental P.: The triangular pad of gum
which fills the space between the necks of the teeth.

Pumice: An abrasive agent used in many polishing

procedures.

Partial Denture: A dental prosthesis which restores one

or more, but less than all, of the natural teeth and/or
associated parts and which is supposrted by the teeth
and/or the mucosa; it may be removable or fixed.
Pennyweight (DWT): 1/20 part of a troy ounce. 24
grains equal 1 dwt.
Petrolatum: A petroleum ointment base used as a
lubricant in dentistry (examples: Vaseline, Triad, and
Model Release Agent).

Quick Cure Resin (Autopolymer Resin): An acrylic resin

wherein an activating substance has been added to
the monomer which will initiate polymerization or cure
without the use of external heat.
Ramus: The ascending part of the mandible.
Rebase: A process of refitting a denture by replacement of the denture base material on a new case
without changing the occlusal relations of the teeth.
Relief: The reduction or elimination of pressure from a
specific area under a denture base.

Periphery: The outward part of the surface or border.

A team frequently used to describe the border of a
denture or an impression.

Reline: To resurface the tissue side of a denture with

new base material to make it fit more accurately.

Phonetics: The science of sounds used in speech.

Removable Partial Denture: A partial denture which

may be removed and replaced by the patient.

Polishing : The procedure where tool marks are

removed by the use of fine abrasives to achieve a high
gloss surface.
Pontic: That part of a fixed bridge which is suspended
between abutments and which replaces a missing
tooth or teeth.
Posterior Teeth: Premolars and molars of either jaw.
Postpalata Seal Area: The soft tissue area at or beyond
the junction of the hard and soft palate on which
pressure, within physiologic limits, can be applied by
a denture to aid in its retention.

Resorption: The gradual reduction in volume and size

of the alveolar portion of the mandible or maxilla.
Retainer
(1) Any type of clasp, attachment, or device used for
the fixation or stabilization of prosthesis. (2) A device
used by orthodontist to maintain teeth in the desired
position after orthodontic treatment.

Retromolar Pad: A mass of tissue usually pear-shaped,

which is located at the distal termination of the
mandibular residual ridge.

Prosthodontics: An Overview 11

Retrusion: A backward position of the mandible.

Ridge: The remainder of the alveolar process and its
soft tissue covering after the teeth are removed.
Center of R.: The bucco-lingual midline of the residual
ridge. Crest of R.: The highest continuous surface of
the ridge, but not necessarily the center of the ridge.
(2)The top of the residual or alveolar ridge.
Ridge Lap: The area of an artificial tooth which normally
overlaps the alveolar ridge. It corresponds on the inner
surface of the tooth approximately to the location of
the collar on the facial surface.
Roentgenogram: Photograph made with X-rays.

Sprue: Wax or metal used to form the aperture or

passageway for molten metal to flow into a mold to
make a casting; also the metal which later fills the sprue
hole.
Stabilized Baseplate: A baseplate lined with a plastic
material to improve its fit and stability.
Stippling: To create depressions in the buccal and
labial surface of the denture base to prevent leafy
foods from adhering.
Sulcus: A groove or depression on the surface of a
tooth.

Saddle (Base): The part of a partial denture, upper or

lower, which fits on the alveolar ridge and in which
the teeth are held.

Surveying: The procedure of locating and outlining the

contour and position of abutment teeth and
associated structures on the master cast before
designing a removable partial denture. The purpose is
to determine the most favorable path of insertion for
the partial and to mark survey lines on the teeth to
aid in the development of a suitable design for the
metal frame work.

Sagittal Plane: The plane that divides the body vertically

into two equal halves.

Suture Line: A junction point where the bones of the

cranium unite.

Saturation or Chroma: The relative strength of a hue.

Swage: To shape metal by hammering or adapting it

onto a die.

Rugae: The irregular ridges found in the anterior region

of the upper hard palate. They aid in speech and
manipulation

Scribe: To write, trace, or mark by making a line or

lines with a pointed instrument.
Separator or Separating Medium: A coating applied
to a surface and serving to prevent a second surface
from adhering to the first.
Set Up: (noun) A broad term usually denoting a full
upper and lower arrangement of teeth in wax. (verb)
The act of arranging and positioning artificial teeth in
a complete or partial denture.
Set-Up Wax: Specially formulated for arranging and
articulating artificial teeth, this wax can be stretched
and moved without breaking, and boils-out cleanly.
(Source: DENTSPLY Set-Up Wax directions).
Shade Guide: Samples of colors, which are available
in manufactured teeth.
Shade Selection: The determination of the color (hue,
brilliance, saturation) of an artificial tooth or set of
teeth for a given patient.
Shelf Life: The period of time which a material can be
stored without losing its useful properties.
Sluice Ways: The escape ways through which food
leaves the occlusal portion of the teeth in the process
of chewing.

Teeth, Anatomic : Artificial teeth which closely

duplicate the form and appearance of natural teeth.
Teeth, Non-Anatomic: Teeth whose occlusal surfaces
are based on mechanical rather than anatomic forms.
Teeth, Plastic: Artificial teeth constructed of synthetic
resins.
Teeth, Porcelain : Artificial teeth constructed of
feldspar, kaolin, and silica.
Teeth, Tube: Artificial teeth constructed with a vertical,
cylindric aperture extending from the center of the
base up into the body of the tooth into which a pin
may be placed or cast for the attachment of the tooth
to a restoration.
Teeth, Zero Degree : Posterior teeth having a flat
occlusal surface.
Template: A flat or curved plate usually of metal which
is used as a guide in arranging artificial teeth.
Tensile Strength : Resistance to breakage from a
stretching or pulling force.
Thermal Expansion: Expansion caused by heat.

Spatulate: To manipulate or mix with a spatula.

Thermoplastic: A polymeric material, which can be

softened by heat and which, hardens upon cooling.

Splint : An appliance for the fixation of movable,

displaced, or fractured parts.

Transverse Horizontal Axis: Also called the hinge axis.

An imaginary line around which the mandible may

12 Pre-Clinical Prosthdontics

rotate within the sagittal plane. All articulators function

within the hinge axis.

Trauma : A hurt; a wound; an injury; damage;

impairment; external violence producing bodily injury
or degeneration.
Try-In: A preliminary insertion of a wax-up trial denture,
partial denture casting or finished restoration to
determine the fit, esthetics, maxillomandibular
relations, etc.
Try-In Selector: (Shade Selector) A set of 6 upper
anterior artificial teeth in each shade available in a
given line of teeth to permit visualizing the effect of
staggered shades by selecting laterals and canines
of a shade different from the centrals.
Tuberosity: A bulge sometimes found at the posterior
end of the maxillary ridge.

Vacuum Fired: The baking of porcelain in a vacuum to

eliminate trapped air.
Vault: The palate or roof of the mouth.
Veneer: A thin layer.
Vertical Dimension: A vertical measurement of the face
between any two arbitrarily selected points which are
conveniently located, one above and one below the
mouth, usually in the midline.
Vertical Dimension of Occlusion : The distance
measured between two points when the occluding
members are in contact.
Working Side: The lateral segment of a denture or
dentition towards which the mandible is moved.